Cyndi Loza

The repairs and technology upgrades that Hug High School needs are similar to those of other older schools in the district, principal Andy Kelly said.

In a tour of the school, Kelly pointed out old, grey classroom windows and doors propped open with large rocks.

One classroom has a vinyl wall divider that has been covered with various shower curtains in an attempt to make the room appear more attractive.

Kelly said he is concerned about the messages that a run-down building sends to the students.

Consider “the individual psychological consequences of sending our kids to a school that’s run-down,” Kelly said. “In a way, we’re sending a message that they don’t matter.”

Most distressing is the lack of upgraded computers available to Hug students, Kelly said.

“The inequality that exists is further exacerbated because many of our kids don’t have access to computers at home,” Kelly said. “At Hug, the best our kids have, in most cases, is provided at school.”

More than 55 percent of Hug students are on the district’s free or reduced lunch program.

The ethnic breakdown is as follows: 2.4 percent American Indian; 10.1 percent black; 10.8 percent Asian; 21 percent white; 55.7 percent Hispanic.

At a glance

• Name: Hug High School
• Address: 2880 Sutro St., Reno
• Phone: 333-5300
• Opened: 1968
• Enrollment: 1352
• Mascot: Hawks
• School Colors: green and white
• Fun Fact: This year marks the 40-year anniversary of the high school.
• Hot Topic: “I think the most important concern is the lack of equity between the newer schools and the older schools,” Hug principal Andy Kelly said. “Our kids don’t have the same access to the tools that other kids have.”